Tryon commissioner Roy Miller made a statement during council’s meeting on Tuesday, June 18 saying he was sorry for his actions regarding his guilty plea for food stamp fraud, that his actions were motivated by helping someone in need and that he is committed to serve out the remainder of his term.

Miller pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor conspiracy to defraud the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on May 22. He later said he was housing and helping a local homeless person, “R.M.” as named in the federal incident report. Miller said the incident to which he plead guilty occurred because he took R.M. to a local store to buy groceries and the store would not allow R.M. to come in. Miller admits he went into the store with R.M.’s EBT card and pin number, said he purchased items and gave them to R.M. as well as his card and receipt.

Miller made his statement at Tryon’s meeting saying he’s sure that everyone has read about and been told about his recent guilty plea related to the food stamp program.

“Beyond what has been published already, I am really not at liberty to discuss the matter further, on the advice of my attorney, however, I do want to emphasize my actions, though unfortunate, were motivated by the sincerest actions, that of helping someone in need. This matter has been a difficult lesson and a difficult time for my family and me. And to whatever degree I’ve embarrassed the Town of Tryon and the citizens, I am sorry. I love Tryon and am fully committed to continuing to serve the citizens of Tryon for the remainder of my term.”